Herb Walk at Coal Oil Point

Join local herbalist, Nicole Iaquinto, on a sunset herb walk at the Coal Oil Point Reserve to learn native medicinal plants of the Gaviota Coast. During this evening walk, you will learn about the folk, medicinal, and culinary uses of herbs, trees, and shrubs that grow in our own backyard. Safe plant id and ethical wild crafting with be taught, along with easy to make herbal remedies for everyday ailments.

Please be aware that due to frequent Wildfires in CA and COVID19, we may have to postpone the event last minute. Please check your email the day before classes for any updates.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

• The Key Principles of SAFE Plant ID and poisonous plants to avoid.
• Common Edible Weeds that you can find all over for field salads and snacks!
• Medicinal & Folk Uses of Herbs, and how to use them for everyday ailments.
• How to PROTECT our Wild Medicine for generations to come!

ABOUT THIS LOCATION

Coal Oil Point is a stunning coastal walk along the bluffs of isla vista out to the Sand Dunes at Coal Oil Point and the wetlands of the Devereux Slough.

It has a mixture of propagated and wild native species, some which have become endangered, such as the tiny native seabird, the Snowy Plover, which has been under protection and observation there since 2001.

The Coal Oil Point Reserve is a reserve of the University of California Natural Reserve System (NRS).  It protects one mile of coastal and estuarine habitats. The unique & mostly undisturbed coastal dunes support native dunes and coastal dune scrub vegetation.

Come enjoy a sunny stroll with us along ~2 mile stretch of trail.  The walk will be mostly flat, however wheelchair access might be limited on some of the terrain.

General Information about this location:

• There are no restrooms available at this location.  The nearest restrooms are at the Storke & Hollister shopping Center.
• Dogs are welcome to come as long as they remain on leash- and off of the dune protected habitat area.
• Children under the age of 12 can come free of charge.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

Nicole Iaquinto is a community herbalist and the Senior Pastor at Cambridge Drive Community Church in Goleta, CA. At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, many of her friends asked for herbal remedies to aid in boosting their immunity, helping them sleep and to reduce stress and anxiety, so she founded Forest Floor Herbals.

She has been independently studying primarily western herbalism for the last 4 years, but has also started taking classes through Artemesia Academy in 2022.

Nicole has a Master of Divinity and also holds degrees in public policy, African American and African studies, and education. She believes there is a Divine Energy (call it Spirit if you will), transcending all religions and faith traditions, linking all things in Creation together.

Ever since she was a small child, Nicole has been looking for ways to tap into that Divine Energy. She finds it helps one become more connected to the land and people around them, leading them to become more empathetic and aware. Due to her introverted and empathic nature, she finds herself outside most of the time, hiking, gardening, talking to plants, and dreaming up ways to bring herbalism into her social justice work.

OUR PARTNERS

Artemisia Academy has partnered with the Gaviota Coast Conservancy to put on this live event.

The  Gaviota Coast Conservancy is dedicated to protecting the rural  character and environmental integrity of the Gaviota Coast for present  and future generations.

20% of all ticket sales are donated to the G.C.C. to help keep our wild areas wild along the coast.

To learn more about the Gaviota Coast Conservancy, please visit:

www.gaviotacoastconservancy.org